Did you know that Charles Manson co-wrote a book containing his “true confessions”? It’s true – it’s available on Amazon.
He also recorded an album. Actually he is credited with many records – the last of which (The Lost Vacaville Tapes) was released in 2013.
Did you also know that the Unabomber’s Manifesto is available on Amazon for $9.95?
There are also books written by John Wayne Gacy, David Berkowitz and quite a few other notorious killers.
I’m sure the list of books written by the worst members of society is surprisingly long, which is a little disconcerting. Not exactly the finest in American Literature, but when it comes to art, whether the written word, recorded music or any other medium, one man’s art is another man’s trash – and vice-versa.
Would it be fair to lump Manson, Gacy and Berkowitz in the same category as Mark Twain, Harper Lee and J. D. Salinger (each of whom has had attempts made to ban their books from school curriculums).
Who is to say which books are good or which ones are bad?
Nobody.
That’s who.
Which brings me to the inspiration behind today’s rant.
This story;
This is the third time I’ve blogged about censorship in one form or another – once here and once here – and it really pisses me off.
Is it just me, or does the concept of banning books from a public library bring with it a bit of deja-vu?
Trying to legislate morality is like trying to prevent your car from breaking down by only driving it on “the good roads.”
It just doesn’t work that way.
I am not an expert in sociology, but it seems to me that banning books only creates a “forbidden fruit” mentality.
This whole affair reminds of the song Harper Valley PTA (Jeannie C. Riley 1968) – where a select group of hypocrites makes it their mission in life to preach about character, morals and integrity.
Does anybody, beside me, see the inherent problem there?
As always – thank you for reading
blindoggbooks 